Mobile desk

ABSTRACT

A mobile desk includes a carrying case with a first compartment and a second compartment divided by a desk portion. The first compartment contains a top surface of the desk portion and the second compartment contains a bottom surface of the desk portion. A pair of legs are secured to the bottom surface. Each of the legs have a plurality of sections and a plurality of rotating joints. The sections are rotatable relative to one another and are configured to move the legs between a stowed position and an extended position. The second compartment is configured to enclose the legs in the stowed position.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/552,037 filed Aug. 27, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/920,486 filed on May 1, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a mobile desk, and in particular a mobile desk for a laptop computer.

BACKGROUND

Many people work remotely or from multiple different locations. Many people also use laptop computers for working or other activities from multiple different locations. Typically, a laptop computer is placed on a user's lap, which can result in the user having bad posture to view the laptop computer.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a mobile desk comprises a desk portion providing a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one leg is secured to the bottom surface. The at least one leg has a plurality of sections and a plurality of rotating joints. The at least one leg is foldable between a stowed position and an extended position.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the desk portion is generally rectangular and planar.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the at least one leg includes two legs, each of the legs comprising the same number of leg sections and rotating joints.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the rotating joints includes a lock.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, each of the legs comprises four leg sections rotatable relative to one another.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the desk portion has a width and a depth, and each of the sections has a length shorter than the depth of the flat portion.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the extended position corresponds to a desk height for a user that is sitting.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the extended position has a height of at least about 24 inches.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the stowed position has a height of less than about 3 inches.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of leg sections permit the legs to be moved to a plurality of positions between the stowed position and the extended position.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of segments includes a top segment attached to the bottom surface, and a bottom segment configured to rest on the floor, wherein the bottom segment extends in length.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the bottom segment extends by about 5 inches.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the mobile desk fits within a case.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the case has a first compartment configured to carry a laptop computer and a second compartment configured to enclose the at least one leg.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the case includes a shoulder strap.

In another exemplary embodiment, a mobile desk comprises a carrying case having a first compartment and a second compartment. The first and second compartments are divided by a desk portion. A pair of legs is secured to the desk portion in the second compartment. Each of the legs have a plurality of sections and a plurality of rotating joints. The sections are rotatable relative to one another and configured to move between a stowed position and an extended position.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first compartment is configured to fit a laptop computer.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the leg sections accordion fold relative to one another at the rotating joints.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the stowed position has a height of less than about 2 inches and the extended position has a height of at least about 24 inches.

In a further embodiment of any of the above, the leg sections are formed from one of plastic and aluminum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobile desk in a stowed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example mobile desk in a stowed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example mobile desk in an extended position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the example mobile desk in an extended position.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example mobile desk with a carrying case in a stowed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example mobile desk with a carrying case in the extended position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the example mobile desk in a stowed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example mobile desk with a carrying case in a stowed position.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example mobile desk with a carrying case in a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobile desk 20 according to an embodiment. The mobile desk 20 includes a desk portion 22 having a first leg 24 and a second leg 26. In this illustration, the first and second legs 24, 26 are in a stowed position. The first and second legs 24, 26 include a plurality of sections (shown in FIGS. 2-3) joined at a rotating joints 27, 28. The desk portion 22 is substantially planar and generally rectangular in shape. The desk portion 22 has a width W and a depth D relative to a user positioned in front of the mobile desk 20. The first and second legs 24, 26 are spaced apart from one another in the width direction. The desk portion 22 may be sized to fit a laptop computer, for example. In some examples, the desk portion 22 may be sized to fit a laptop computer having a screen size up to about 15 inches. In one example, the width W is between about 12 and about 16 inches. In a further example, the width W is about 15 inches. In one example, the depth D is between about 9 and about 14 inches. In a further example, the depth D is about 11 inches.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the example mobile desk 20 in the stowed position. The desk portion 22 has a top surface 32 and a bottom surface 34. The top surface 32 may be used to hold a user's laptop computer or other items. The legs 24, 26 are secured to the bottom surface 34. Each of the legs 24, 26 is formed from a plurality of sections 30A, 30B, 30C. The leg sections 30A-C are rotatable relative to one another and to the bottom surface 34 about an axis extending along the width direction. Each leg section 30A-C has an elongate shape, and is generally arranged along the depth direction D. Each of the leg sections 30A-C has a length that is less than the depth D of the desk portion 22. Each leg 24, 26 may have between about 3 and about 6 leg sections 30A-C. In this stowed position, each of the leg sections 30A-C extends generally parallel to the desk portion 22. The mobile desk 20 has a height H_(S) in the stowed position. The height H_(S) may be between about 1.5 and 3 inches, for example. In a further embodiment, the height H_(S) may be about 2 inches. The leg sections 30A-C are folded in the stowed position such that they form a single layer beneath the desk portion 22. The desk portion has a thickness T. The thickness T may be less than 1 inch, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example mobile desk 20 in an extended position. Each of the leg sections 30A-D has an elongate shape 36 with first and second ends 38, 40. Each leg section 30A-D has a length L. In one example, the length L is between about 5 and about 9 inches. In a further example, the length L is about 7 inches. Each of the leg sections 30A-D may be formed from a plastic or metallic material. In one example, the leg sections 30A-D are formed from plastic. This arrangement provides a lightweight mobile desk 20. In this example, the mobile desk 20 may have a weight of less than about 3 pounds. In a further embodiment, the mobile desk may have a weight of about 2.5 pounds. In another example, the leg sections 30A-D are formed from aluminum. This arrangement also provides a lightweight mobile desk 20. In this example, the mobile desk 20 may have a weight of less than about 6 pounds. In a further embodiment, the mobile desk 20 may have a weight of less than about 5 pounds. The leg sections 30A-D may be formed of other materials in other examples.

Each leg section 30A-D is joined to an adjacent leg section 30A-D at a rotating joint 28. The leg sections 30A-D are joined in an alternating manner, such that the legs 24, 26 fold in an accordion manner Each rotating joint 28 permits leg sections 30A-D to rotate about an axis X relative to an adjacent leg section 30A-D. In some examples, an angle between adjacent leg segments 30A-D may vary between 0° in the stowed position and 180° in the extended position. For example, the leg section 30B rotates about the axis X relative to the leg section 30C. The leg sections 30A-D accordion fold relative to one another to go between the stowed position and the extended position. In the extended position, most of the leg sections 30A-C extend at an angle from the desk portion 22. In some embodiments, the leg sections 30A-C extend substantially perpendicular from the desk portion 22. In other embodiments, the leg sections 30A-C extend at an angle between about 45° and 90° from the desk portion 22. This permits the desk portion 22 to be angled relative to a surface, such as the ground, depending on the user's preferences. The leg section 30D furthest from the desk portion 22 in the extended position may extend generally parallel to a surface the mobile desk 20 is resting on. In some examples, the end leg section 30D is arranged substantially perpendicular to the leg sections 30A-C.

In some examples, each rotating joint 28 contains a lock 29 that locks the position of the leg portions 30A-D. The lock 29 may be a clutch type lock, for example. The locks 29 may permit the rotating joints 28 to be locked in many different positions, permitting the leg sections 30A-D to be arranged at different angles relative to one another.

In some embodiments, the leg section 30D that is furthest from the desk portion 22 may extend in length. The leg section 30D may have an end 41 that slides along an axis Y, that is generally perpendicular to the axis X. In other words, the end 41 slides along the length L of the leg section 30D. In one example, the end 41 slides to add between 4 and 6 inches of length to the leg section 30D. In a further example, the end 41 adds about 5 inches of length to the leg section 30D. This additional length on the bottom leg may provide more stability for the mobile desk in the extended position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the mobile desk 20 in the extended position. The mobile desk 20 has a height H_(E) in the extended position relative to a surface 42. The surface 42 may be the floor, for example. The height H_(E) is between about 24 and about 32 inches, for example. In a further example, the height H_(E) is about 28 inches. This height permits a user to comfortably use the mobile desk 20 while sitting in a chair. The mobile desk 20 may also be used at heights between the stowed height H_(S) and the extended height H_(E). This may be done by arranging the leg sections 30A-D at different angles. For example, leg section 30A may be left parallel to the desk section 22. In another example, each of the leg sections 30A-30D may be arranged at an angle relative to one another to provide a different height. This height adjustability permits a user to use the mobile desk 20 on the floor while sitting in a chair, on a desk while sitting in a chair, or on a desk while standing.

The leg sections 30A-D are arranged at different positions along the width direction such that they fold compactly. For example, the leg sections 30A on legs 124, 126 are closer together than the leg sections 30C on legs 124, 126. In one example, there is a distance D₁ between the leg sections 30A. The distance D₁ may be about between about 5 and 6 inches, for example. There is a distance D₃ between leg sections 30C. The distance D₃ may be between about 11 and 12 inches, for example. Each leg section 30A-D has a width W_(L). In one example, the width W_(L) is between about 1 and 2 inches. In a further example, the width W_(L) is less than about 1.5 inches.

In some examples, the mobile desk 20 may include a cup holder 44. The cup holder 44 may be removable. For example, the cup holder 44 may clip onto one of the legs 24, 26, or onto the desk portion 22. In some examples, the mobile desk 20 may include a mousepad 46. The mousepad 46 may be removable, and may clip onto one of the legs 24, 26, or onto the desk portion 22. In other examples, the mousepad 46 may be attached to the desk surface 22. The mousepad 46 may be stowable, such as by sliding or folding the mousepad 46 relative to the desk surface 22 when not in use. In some examples, a charging port 48, such as a USB charging port, may be arranged on the legs 24, 26 or the desk portion 22.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example mobile desk 120 integrated with a carrying case 150. To the extent not otherwise described or shown, the mobile desk 120 corresponds to the mobile desk 20 of FIG. 1, with like parts having reference numerals preappended with a “1.” It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

In this illustration, the mobile desk 120 is in the stowed position and arranged within the carrying case 150. The carrying case 150 may have two compartments 152, 154, accessible by two zippers 156, 158, respectively. The compartments 152, 154 are divided by the desk portion 122 (shown in FIG. 6). The compartment 152 is configured to hold a user's laptop computer. The compartment 152 may be used to hold other items in addition to a laptop computer, such as books, papers, and writing instruments. In some examples, one or more pockets are located within the compartment 152 for storage and organization. The compartment 154 contains the legs 24, 26. In some examples, the carrying case 150 has handles 160 and/or a shoulder strap 162. In other examples, the carrying case 150 may have a pair of shoulder straps and be configured as a backpack.

FIG. 6 illustrates the mobile desk 120 in the extended position. The desk portion 122 divides the two compartments 152, 154, and supports a user's laptop computer 164. In an example, the desk portion 122 is integral with the carrying case 150. This permits a user to open the case 150 and use his or her laptop computer 164 without having to pull the laptop computer 164 out of the case 150. This also prevents the user from having to find a place to store the case 150 while using the laptop computer 164.

FIG. 7 illustrates the legs 124, 126 in the stowed position within the compartment 154. Each of the legs 124, 126 has four sections 130A-D. Although four leg sections 130A-D are illustrated, it should be understood that more or fewer leg sections 130A-D may be used within the scope of this disclosure. The top leg section 130A is secured to the desk portion 122 at a joint 127. The leg sections 130A-D are arranged such that they fit within the area of the desk portion 122.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example mobile desk 220 integrated with a carrying case. In this example, the carrying case has two compartments 252, 254, accessible by two zippers 256, 258, respectively. The compartments 252, 254 are divided by the desk portion as described above. In some examples, the carrying case includes an exterior pocket 274 for storage and organization. The carrying case may include handles 260. In this example, the carrying case includes wheels 270 and a telescoping handle 272 for transporting the carrying case. In the illustrated example, the carrying case includes two wheels 270. In other examples, the carrying case may include a different number of wheels 270.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example mobile desk 320 integrated with a carrying case. The carrying case has two compartments 352, 354, accessible by two zippers 356, 358, respectively. The compartments 352, 354 are divided by the desk portion as described above. The carrying case may include an exterior pocket 374. The carrying case includes a pair of shoulder straps 376, such that the carrying case may be carried as a backpack.

In some examples, the carrying case may include a combination of handles 160, 260, shoulder straps 162, 376, wheels 270, and/or a telescoping handle 272.

The disclosed mobile desk is lightweight and may be easily stowed for transport and used in a variety of settings. The adjustable height permits a user to use the desk on the floor or on a table, and while sitting or standing. The mobile desk may be useful for a variety of people that work remotely or at varying locations. For example, construction workers and nurses may find the mobile desk helpful for operating a laptop computer at different sites.

Although the different embodiments are illustrated as having specific components, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other embodiments.

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile desk, comprising: a carrying case having a first compartment and a second compartment divided by a desk portion, the first compartment containing a top surface of the desk portion and the second compartment containing a bottom surface of the desk portion; a pair of legs secured to the bottom surface, each of the legs having a plurality of sections and a plurality of rotating joints, the sections rotatable relative to one another and configured to move the legs between a stowed position and an extended position; and wherein the second compartment is configured to enclose the legs in the stowed position.
 2. The mobile desk of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sections include a top section attached to the bottom surface and a bottom section configured to rest on a floor.
 3. The mobile desk of claim 2, wherein the desk portion has a height of at least about 24 inches from the floor when the legs are in the extended position.
 4. The mobile desk of claim 2, wherein the desk portion has a height from the floor corresponding to a desk height for a user that is sitting in a chair.
 5. The mobile desk of claim 2, wherein the bottom section extends parallel with the floor.
 6. The mobile desk of claim 2, wherein the top section is mounted to the desk portion by a rotating joint that permits the desk portion to be angled relative to the floor.
 7. The mobile desk of claim 2, wherein the desk portion has a width and a depth, and each of the plurality of sections has a length shorter than the depth of the desk portion.
 8. The mobile desk of claim 7, wherein a distance between the top section of the first leg and the top section of the second leg is less than the width of the desk portion.
 9. The mobile desk of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sections includes a second section mounted to the top section by a rotating joint, the second section positioned laterally outside of the top section.
 10. The mobile desk of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sections includes a third section mounted to the second section and the bottom section by rotating joints, the third section positioned laterally outside of the second section.
 11. The mobile desk of claim 10, wherein a distance between the third section of the first leg and the third section of the second leg is less than the width of the desk portion.
 12. The mobile desk of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sections extend generally parallel to the bottom surface in the stowed position to form a single layer row.
 13. The mobile desk of claim 1, wherein the plurality of leg sections all fit within an area defined by the desk portion in the stowed position.
 14. The mobile desk of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sections extend generally parallel to the bottom surface and are aligned adjacently to form a single layer row in the stowed position.
 15. The mobile desk of claim 1, wherein the legs have a height of less than about 3 inches in the stowed position.
 16. The mobile desk of claim 1, wherein the first compartment is configured to carry a laptop computer.
 17. The mobile desk of claim 1, wherein each of the rotating joints includes a lock configured to lock a section of the plurality of sections in an angular position relative to another section of the plurality of sections.
 18. The mobile desk of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sections and rotating joints permit the legs to be moved to a plurality of positions between the stowed position and the extended position.
 19. The mobile desk of claim 1, further comprising a telescopic handle and wheels attached to the second compartment.
 20. The mobile desk of claim 1, further comprising shoulder straps attached to the second compartment. 